Lignite mine Ecological Restoration in Kozani
About the project
The Professional Planting in the Lignite Centre of Western Macedonia took place in the “Sklira” area near Kozani, Greece, on a 10-hectare site owned by the Public Power Corporation (P.P.C.) S.A. The project aimed to restore the ecological balance of former lignite mining land in line with Greek environmental laws. In November 2023, 15,000 native trees of five species—Quercus macedonica, Cupressus sempervirens, Fraxinus ornus, Cercis siliquastrum, and Celtis australis—were planted. The process involved careful site selection, soil preparation, and a mix of mechanical and manual planting methods to ensure optimal growth and soil recovery.
If you want to contribute by adopting trees, contact us:
Objective
Promote ecology restoration of the selected area in accordance with the Greek Law regarding the environmental protection and the soil reclamation after the closure of lignite mining operations. Additionally, the restoration is projected to enhance biodiversity values by adding a mix of native species.
Impact
This large-scale planting initiative contributes significantly to the ecological restoration of post-mining landscapes in Western Macedonia. By improving soil quality, stabilizing terrain, and enhancing biodiversity, it helps transform degraded land into a sustainable ecosystem. The project supports climate resilience, provides new habitats for local species, and aligns with Greece’s broader transition towards environmental restoration and sustainable land management. Early monitoring indicates healthy tree growth and successful establishment of the plantations.
This project contributes to the following SDGs:
Estimated CO2 sequestration
This 10 hectare project is estimated to absorb 300-350 ton CO2eq/hectare. In total, an estimate of 3,236 tons CO2 equivalent will be absorbed in a 40-year period.
